Thursday, January 26, 2012 {(Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops (Memorial)}

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I know whom I have believed, and I am certain that I have committed to Him against that day, being a just Judge.
-- 2 Tim. i. 12

READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5
2 Timothy 1:1-8
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my fathers, when I remember you constantly in my prayers.
4 As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy.
5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lo'is and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you.
6 Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands;
7 for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
8 Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God,
OR
Titus 1:1-5
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness,
2 in hope of eternal life which God, who never lies, promised ages ago
3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by command of God our Savior;
4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
5 This is why I left you in Crete, that you might amend what was defective, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you,
Psalms: Psalm 96:1-3, 7-8, 10
(God the Supreme King)
1 Sing to Yahweh a new song! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.
2 Sing to Yahweh! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day!
3 Declare his glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.
7 Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations, Ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
10 Say among the nations, “Yahweh reigns.” The world is also established. It can’t be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.
Gospel: Mark 4:21-25
(A Lamp under a Bowl)
21 He said to them, “Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand?
22 For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light.
23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.”
24 He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear.
25 For whoever has, to him will more be given, and he who doesn't have, from him will be taken away even that which he has.”